India produced a
large number of SMLE rifles of various marks. Most of these were produced at
the rifle factory in Ishapore (Bengal). Indian produced rifles are stamped RFI
(Rifle Factory Ishapore) and rifles produced while India was a British colony
are marked GRI (George Rex Imperiatus, King George- Emperor) whereas on post independence
rifles the British crown stamp is replaced with the Indian Ashoka. Slightly
different production methods and available materials (especially wood) means
that there are several varations in components unique to rifles produced in
India. Widespread use of Indian produced rifles by British and other empire
troops, and the large number of rifles repaired in Indian arsenals means that
Indian components are frequently found on rifles originating in the UK or
Australia. Indian marks (especially FTR stamps) can be found on No4 rifles
although India did not produce No4s.

Ishapore Rifles
were produced in .303" and later in 7.62mm. Production of these 7.62mm rifles,
known as the 2A (@1963-65) and 2A1 (@1965-70) continued into the early 70s.

Large numbers of
these rifles came onto the American market in the mid 1990s and while they look
very similar to the standard .303" rifle there are important differences.The most visible external differences are the square site protector ears
and the squared-off flat bottomed magazine.

The rifle used as the basis for these
photographs is a 1967 2A. It is in fairly typical condition for the rifles
imported into the US in the mid 1990s. The metal is covered with a thick black
paint (several coats) and the furniture has a low quality varnish on it. This
particular rifle has also been marked with a yellow stripe. There is some
suggestion this is a means of identifying the 7.62 rifles from the large number
of .303" rifles that remained in service. Despite its rough apperarnce the
rifle is remarkably accurate and retains the inherent reliability of the SMLE.